Star Wars Outlaws may introduce a new lead character, Kay Vess, but the video game’s trailer has teased the appearance of some of the franchise’s iconic characters, like Jabba the Hutt. As expected, this excites fans and players alike to experience playing a mission with the famous crime lord, but it turns out he’s locked behind a Season Pass, and they have to spend about $110 to have him unlocked. This results in an instant backlash, with some expressing their disappointment, but Ubisoft now addresses the issue and reveals the importance of the Hutt gangster in the game.
In a statement to IGN, a Ubisoft spokesperson revealed that all players could experience playing Jabba the Hutt and the Hutt Cartel regardless of the edition they would buy. The Standard Edition of Star Wars Outlaws costs $69.99, while the Gold Edition and Ultimate Edition, which feature the exclusive Jabba’s Gambit mission, are priced at $109.99 and $129.99, respectively.
“To clarify, Jabba the Hutt and the Hutt Cartel are one of the main syndicates in Star Wars Outlaws and will be part of the experience for everyone who purchases the game, regardless of edition,” the spokesperson explained. “The Jabba’s Gambit mission is an optional, additional mission with the Hutt Cartel along Kay and Nix's journey across the Outer Rim. This mission will be available to those who purchase the season pass or an edition of the game which includes the season pass.”
The Backlash Surrounding Star Wars Outlaws’ Jabba the Hutt Mission
Star Wars Outlaws’ official website has detailed its Season Pass inclusions. When players avail of these DLC add-ons, they can expand their galactic journey by unlocking two additional stories after the game’s launch. It also includes a Day 1 exclusive mission with Jabba the Hutt and additional cosmetics for Kay and her partner-in-crime, Nix.
They can also have early access and other additional content. The exclusive Jabba’s Gambit mission at launch will see Kay putting together a crew for the Canto Bight heist after receiving a job from the Hutt himself. ND-5 has had a debt to Jabba for years, and the latter now wants to collect it.
With this locked mission, fans couldn’t help but complain about the extra bucks they had to spend to play this quest. X (formerly Twitter) user @haarektheginger even accused Ubisoft of messing up the game by locking the mission behind a Season Pass even though the content is already part of it.
@MizuAkane1 added that the Jabba the Hutt mission shouldn’t be part of the trailer if they had to pay extra.
@injectedvoice felt sorry for fans who couldn’t afford a Season Pass, saying it was exclusive to those fortunate enough.
What is the gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws?
Set between the events of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws will feature the journey of Kay and Nix as they explore the planets across the galaxy. Players can live the life of an outlaw, use blasters during epic fights, and face enemies with stealth and gadgets. There will also be mission rewards from crime syndicates and the ability to steal valuable goods and infiltrate secret hideouts. Of course, this won’t be complete without the experience of piloting a ship called the Trailblazer and going face-to-face with the Empire.
You can read the overview below:
Experience the first-ever open-world Star Wars ™ game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.
Star Wars Outlaws is set to be available on August 30, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. The game is now available for pre-order.
The current video games’ price jump from $59.99 to $69.99 has already posed a big problem for the players. So, with the need to add about $30 more to avail a Season Pass, it will be a big deal for fans, and the backlash isn’t surprising at all.
